Do you know the many benefits of Rosemary?
Let us take a look at some ways we can use it.
Rosemary is a fragrant herb with its evergreen, needle-like leaves and blooms white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. It grows worldwide but originates from the Mediterranean region and is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae (which includes over 7,000 species, including thyme, oregano, basil). “Rosemary" derive its name from the Latin words "ros", meaning "dew" and "marinus," meaning "sea", combined as "dew of the sea".
For its medicinal value, the leaf and oil extracts are used in the manufacturing of some medicine. It has been said that the herb is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin B6, as well as polyphenol micronutrients; and provides some that help to relieve ailments in some health-related conditions.
In the form of a Tea, it helps with:-
Relief from migraines
Boosting immune system and memory.
Beneficially in improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
Improving blood circulation in the
body.
To gives naturally fresh and clean
breath.
Regulates bowl movement and gastrointestinal system.
To 1 cup of hot (boiled) water, add a sprig of freshly washed rosemary. Cover for 3 minutes, then sweeten with sugar or honey to taste – very refreshing and soothing.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is used as a fragrant component in the manufacturing of some soaps, lotions and perfumes. It also works for hair loss - by applying it to the scalp, it irritates the skin and increases blood circulation.
Rosemary-Infused Olive Oil
Rosemary has been in culinary use since at least 500 B.C. You can use it to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes when cooking – soups, casseroles, salads, and stews. You can also use rosemary with your chicken and other poultry, game, lamb, pork and steaks. It also goes well with grains, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, and spinach.
Garlic & Rosemary Butter
Did you know that rosemary could make an excellent topping for your steak or use it as a spread or vegetable butter and a great addition on your baked potatoes or tossed with pasta? Yes, it does, and this is how it is prepared:
1) Chop 2 medium cloves of garlic and then mash with the wide side of a chef's knife or mortar and pestle.
2) In a small bowl, combine the garlic with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves.
3) Blend well – then add 4 ounces of room temperature butter and mash with a fork until thoroughly blended.
4) Place the butter on a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log. Wrap well and refrigerate until chilled. Keep refrigerated or frozen.
Preparation & Storage
Rinse fresh sprigs of rosemary under cold running water, pat dry then store in a Ziploc bag or covered container. Bear in mind, some recipes usually call for whole leaves, which are easily removed from the woody stems. Whole sprigs of rosemary may be added to stews and meat dishes.
To store your rosemary, place the sprigs in a plastic food storage bag with a damp paper towel. Fresh rosemary will keep for about 1 week in the refrigerator.
"Remember to stop & smell the Rosemary"